Home » Jazz Musicians » Francesco Cigna

Francesco Cigna

Name: Francesco Peter Cigna Date and Place of birth: 7th of May 1981 in Palermo, Italy. Languages: Danish, Italian, English. Proffessions: Guitar player, Composer and Arranger, graduated from the Carl Nielsen Academy of Music in Denmark. Main Instrument: Guitar Second instruments: Oud, Piano Other Abilities: Music production and recording.

MUSIC EDUCATION Although manly focusing on Jazz music, Francesco has collaborated with musicians from many genres ranging from Folk music to Funk and Rock. This has helped making him a very versatile musician able to play in most styles. 1991 Francesco was a 10 year old boy, when he got hooked on guitar and started taking lessons at the local music school. In the beginning very fascinated by Blues music, and artist such as B.B.King and Jimi Hendrix. 1997 MGK in Kolding, DK. MGK is a 3 year music high school. In this period he played in the MGK-Big Band, and many small combos. Here he developed his theoretical and technical skills, and got a basic understanding of many different genres of music. 1999 Berklee Courses in Perugia, Italy. Studies jazz guitar and composition with, Jim Kelly and Mark White. 2000 Attends the high level Siena Jazz Courses, in Siena, Italy. Here he has the opportunity to study and perform with musicians such as Enrico Rava, Paolo Fresu, Paulino Dalla Porta and Marco Tamburini. 2001 Jazz department at the The Carl Nielsen Academy of Music in Odense. Here he studies jazz guitar with Per Gade, Jacob Fischer and Bjarne Rupé. Composition and arranging with Erik Ørum von Spreckelsen. 2002-2005 During his time in the academy he takes an active part in many workshops with musicians such as: Andy LaVerne, Lee Konitz, Steve Swallow, Jim Black, Pat Metheny and many great Danish jazz musicians and educators. 2005 Francesco graduates from Carl Nielsen Academy of Music, Denmark. Exams in: Piano, Teaching, Arranging, Studio engineering and recording, Theory and Ear training. 2007 Takes lessons in Den Haag at the Royal Conservatory, Holland, with, Matijn Van Iterson and Wim Bronnenberg.

MUSICAL COLABORATIONS AND PROJECTS As band leader and freelance musician Franceso has performed and recorded with countless great artists that have all helped him to grow as an artist, some of the most important are listed below: Christina Bülow (Dk), Alto Saxophone Jesper Riis (Dk), Trumpet Jonas Westergaard (Dk), Acc. Bass Daniel Franck (S), Acc. Bass Klüvers Big Band (Dk) Larry Nash (Can) Tenor Saxophone Marco Tamburini (I) Trumpet Niels Ryde (Dk), Electric bass Orazio Maugeri(I), Alto Sax Thomas Fryland (Dk), Trumpet ReBop Union, a jazz quintet with whom he released the CD “Blue Notes” in 2007(on Calibrated Records). ReBop Union has played many important venues around Denmark and Europe. Band Members: Thomas Fryland, Trumpet; Orazio Maugeri, Alto sax; F. Cigna, Guitar; Daniel Franck, Bass; Tony Cigna, Drums.

Read more

Tags

QUOTES ABOUT FRANCESCO CIGNA

Written by: Boris Rabinowitsch, POLITIKKEN October, 16th-2007 "Very comfident playing is shown from the guitatplayer Francesco Cigna..." "Francesco Cigna, is the man behind two of the finest compositions on the album. He lights up as a solist on ’Mediterranean’, a beautyfull theme in 6/4, but the most exciting contribiution is ’Mondello’."

Written by: Niels Overgaard, JAZZNYT/JAZZ SPECIAL November, 2nd- 2007 "Francesco Cigna, is really digging into the tone of classic jazz guitar!" "Francesco Cigna plays classic jazz guitar, in a fresh and comfident way."

Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Blue Notes

Radio Free Jaazzzzz
2008

buy

BLUE NOTES

Calibrated
2007

buy

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.